AMC Orders Pilot for The Walking Dead Companion Series

AMC has ordered a pilot for The Walking Dead companion series, the network announced Friday.

The project is co-created and co-written by Robert Kirkman and Sons of Anarchy's Dave Erickson. Kirkman will act as showrunner and executive producer alongside Walking Dead's Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert.

The companion series will be set in a different location and will feature an entirely new cast of characters. "There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows," Kirkman said in a statement. "Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them."

Production on the pilot will begin later this year. The Walking Dead will return for Season 5 on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 9/8c on AMC.